As even semi-regular readers of the blog know I am a huge Ohio State fan. But since it is bowl season I am all about the Big Ten and was actually, yeah I am choking a bit as I say this, cheering loudly for the Michigan Wolverines yesterday as they played the Florida Gators. No one in America, including me, gave them a chance to win.

Well they won. They played arguably the best game I have ever seen that team play. I would be dishonest if I didn’t admit to almost choking up a little at the end of the game… and here is why.

The top three players on Michigan’s team: Chad Henne, Mike Hart, and Jake Long all turned down millions of dollars last year and decided to come back for their senior season. Why? Because they wanted to win a Big Ten Championship, beat Ohio State, and then win a National Championship.

Well as anyone who follows college football knows they didn’t meet these any of these goals. In fairness to them injuries ravaged their team. The team that beat Florida yesterday may not have lost any games this year.

In this day of “show me the money” and no respect for the team (it’s all about me) I applaud these three young men for doing the right thing. They, in my opinion, will be better people for it.

Well, the final touch on this feel good story (gosh I can’t believe I am giving this team this much love!) was Carr’s final speech to his players. Carr, in case you don’t know, coached his last game yesterday as he decided to retire after 13 years as their head coach.

Listen to his message to his team… while I cringe everytime I see those damn helmets I cannot help but have immense respect for the way Lloyd Carr lead his team – on and off the field. I wish him all the best and look forward to showing old “show me the money” Rich Rodriguez what being beaten by a man in a sweater vest feels like next year! Go Bucks!